Death Star Countdown Day 4 | Mini LEGO Death Star & Trench Run Diorama Explained
We’re now just 4 days away from the official release of the new UCS LEGO Death Star. But while everyone’s talking about the giant 9,023-piece build, there’s another side of the Death Star story worth celebrating – the smaller sets. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the LEGO mini Death Star and the LEGO Star Wars Death Star Trench Run Diorama, two compact builds that pack plenty of detail and nostalgia.
The LEGO Mini Death Star
Not every fan has the space (or the budget) for the UCS version, and that’s where the mini LEGO Death Star comes in. Over the years, LEGO has released several smaller interpretations, from polybag builds to exclusive promos.
The LEGO mini Death Star is usually a simplified version – often just a few hundred pieces – but it captures the iconic spherical design in a way that makes it instantly recognisable. Collectors often enjoy displaying these alongside larger models, creating a sense of scale.
Fun Fact #1: The first LEGO mini Death Star polybag was originally a convention exclusive, making it surprisingly rare and sought-after by collectors today.
The Trench Run Diorama
In 2022, LEGO introduced the LEGO Star Wars Death Star Trench Run Diorama, a set that captured one of the most famous moments in cinema history: Luke Skywalker’s daring attack on the Death Star.
Fans who bought this set discovered that while it wasn’t massive, it was packed with detail – including TIE Fighters, Luke’s X-Wing, and a section of the trench itself. The LEGO Death Star Trench Run quickly became a favourite among adult fans of LEGO (AFOLs) who love display-focused builds.
Fun Fact #2: The LEGO Star Wars Death Star Trench Run Diorama was part of LEGO’s new Diorama Collection, designed especially for adults who wanted display-worthy models with cinematic flair.
Why Small Sets Matter
It’s easy to focus only on the UCS giants, but smaller builds like the LEGO mini Death Star and the LEGO Death Star Trench Run have their own charm:
Accessibility: Affordable and easier to build, they bring the Death Star experience to more fans.
Display Options: Compact enough to fit on desks or shelves without taking up too much space.
Collectibility: Many limited mini versions become rare over time, adding long-term value.
For many fans, owning a mini LEGO Death Star or the Trench Run Diorama is a perfect way to connect with Star Wars without committing to thousands of pieces.
Collectors’ Perspective
Ask any seasoned collector, and they’ll tell you: sometimes the smaller builds are the ones that surprise you most. The LEGO Star Wars Death Star Trench Run Diorama has become a display favourite thanks to its cinematic accuracy, while the LEGO mini Death Star is a fun conversation starter on any shelf.
For those who already own larger sets, these smaller builds are excellent companions, adding variety and depth to a Star Wars collection.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the LEGO mini Death Star sitting proudly on your desk or the detailed LEGO Star Wars Death Star Trench Run Diorama capturing Luke’s heroic moment, these smaller sets prove that size isn’t everything. They might not have 9,000 pieces, but they capture the heart of Star Wars just as well.
If you’re preparing for the 2025 UCS release, don’t overlook the charm of the compact builds – they’re proof that even small sets can make a big impact.
And if you want to showcase your LEGO collection in the best possible way, visit brickzonehub.co.uk for premium display stands and cases built for collectors.
Stay tuned for Day 3 of our countdown, where we’ll return to the classic full-size LEGO Death Star sets and discover why they remain collector must-haves.